Ultimate Craft Show List: Display

The Display category of the Ultimate Craft Show list covers all of the essential things you will need to make your products look great. Your items will dictate how you display them. Building a display that suits your items is an ongoing process. While these are some of the basics we use, your list may be very different.

Display Item Breakdown ~ ~ ~

Tables - At most shows you will need to supply your own table(s). We use four. We have two 5 foot and two that are 6 foot. This seems to work best for the different set ups that we generally use. If shelving or displays racks work best for your products, you may only need a small table for checkout.

Whatever your needs, this is probably the second most important thing next to your product. We use tables similar to these. They are compact and easy to handle.

Props/Display Aids - This would be anything that you bring along to enhance your items and how they are displayed. I use some glass fruit in our Lathe Junkie bowls as well as some props such as an old cell phone and wallet. These show a potential customer what they can use the item for. Having items dedicated to display use is a plus.

Your display aids also include any shelving, baskets or bins you use to display your items. I have a large basket that I use to display dog toys and a big wire mesh basket holds scrubbies. I use folding wire shelving like these to hold smaller baskets for little things. Stacking the wire shelving can add space and height.

Table Cloths - If you use tables, table cloths can make a big difference in how your display looks. I used sheets for a long time. Just some plain white ones we had hanging around. They did their job going to the floor and hiding my bins under the table.

I have since invested in some fitted black table cloths, which I highly recommend. I have always used a over cloth on top of my tablecloth to accent what I am selling. I normally just get a yard of fabric and hem the edges (use fabric glue if you don’t sew). I have seasonal cloths as well as ones that work with items I sell such as a paw prints one for my dog/cat toys or a kitchen one for scrubbies. I have used as many as three on one table.

Price Signs/Extra Signs - There are many options to pricing signs. Create signage that works with your display. I use laminated business card size signs that state the item name and price. These are then clipped to the basket I use to display the item with clips I found online. Our Lathe Junkie items have price tags on them. In either case, I find that I always need an extra one or two. You will find that one always gets lost or or tattered or maybe you need a sign for a sale or a special.

Emergency Repair Items - What if something falls apart, tears or you loose a screw, bolt, nut or other part associated with your display? Go prepared with extras and a back up plan for repairs. Put together a small kit with nuts, bolts, screws, needle/thread, glue or whatever you need for your display. This could be a lifesaver if something breaks at a show.

Tools Needed for Display - Do you need a screw driver, socket wrench, hammer or other tools to assemble your display? If so these are must haves on your packing list. Assemble a separate set of the tools you will need and keep them with your craft items. This way you will be prepared with the proper tools and not have to so searching the house for them every time you do a show.

Display Items for Outdoor Shows . . .

Canopy/Side Curtains/Weights - If you do outdoor shows, a canopy is a must! I have seen them used indoors too. Most formal art or craft shows want you to have a white one so that their exhibitors look uniform (Read my post on Indoor vs Outdoor Shows for more information).

I highly recommend investing in one with sides like this one. It is easy to set up and the sides help block out the wind, sun and weather. The sides can also act as a back drop or provide separation from your neighbors. It comes with a bag on wheels that stores everything away neatly. Canopy weights can be an added benefit to keep your canopy under control on windy days. Even though a canopy comes with steaks, these can’t be used if you are set up on a street. You can find lots of great ideas on how to do make your own weights on Pinterest.

Remember doing a trial run setup of your display is a great way to make sure you have everything you need as well as experiment with your setup.

Until next time...
Linda